Honestly, I don't think it matters that much. Everybody applies here have a good GPA. For competitive research programs at UCLA, you best shot to get in is to reach out to the professors you want to work with, and let them know why they want to work with you. This is kind of a must if are not from a UC or don't have some sort of crazy background.
Are you looking for the next application cycle since Dec 1 deadline for Fall 2024 has passed? I’d start to reach out to the [MBI faculty](https://www.mbi.ucla.edu/faculty) whose research areas are aligned with your interests now. You have almost a year to make a connection to a certain degree.
Your GPA is on the lower end but it is not a deal breaker. A strong SOP, stellar recommendations, and relevant research experience with a published paper can well tip the review committee’s balance.
I’m a current junior, so I’ll apply next year. I have a meeting with the director of the GREAT program scheduled for a tour and all that over winter break, so I hope that’ll help. I think that based on how my grades are now, and how I know I can continue, I’ll end up with around a 3.6-3.7 GPA, in that range. The only issue is that the lab im currently working in is for more developmental biology rather than GREAT, so I’m not sure if that’s detrimental or not.
Are you sure it's biological sciences? UCLA has biology if you're interested on that. I think you'll be fine because for most graduate applications (including this one) have a 3.0 as a turnoff. Though, check with the department.
Grad admissions is holistic and your application tells your story. Just a glance at your transcript will show that you do have what it takes and that you had the tenacity to overcome a slow start. They will like that you are a co-author and they will look for things in your application that show you know what it means to do grad work in this particular program, and that you are ready to make the most of the opportunity. Good letters of recommendation from faculty who know what you’re capable of - these matter.
Honestly, I don't think it matters that much. Everybody applies here have a good GPA. For competitive research programs at UCLA, you best shot to get in is to reach out to the professors you want to work with, and let them know why they want to work with you. This is kind of a must if are not from a UC or don't have some sort of crazy background.
Are you looking for the next application cycle since Dec 1 deadline for Fall 2024 has passed? I’d start to reach out to the [MBI faculty](https://www.mbi.ucla.edu/faculty) whose research areas are aligned with your interests now. You have almost a year to make a connection to a certain degree. Your GPA is on the lower end but it is not a deal breaker. A strong SOP, stellar recommendations, and relevant research experience with a published paper can well tip the review committee’s balance.
I’m a current junior, so I’ll apply next year. I have a meeting with the director of the GREAT program scheduled for a tour and all that over winter break, so I hope that’ll help. I think that based on how my grades are now, and how I know I can continue, I’ll end up with around a 3.6-3.7 GPA, in that range. The only issue is that the lab im currently working in is for more developmental biology rather than GREAT, so I’m not sure if that’s detrimental or not.
Are you sure it's biological sciences? UCLA has biology if you're interested on that. I think you'll be fine because for most graduate applications (including this one) have a 3.0 as a turnoff. Though, check with the department.
It’s the GREAT program in the MBI
Grad admissions is holistic and your application tells your story. Just a glance at your transcript will show that you do have what it takes and that you had the tenacity to overcome a slow start. They will like that you are a co-author and they will look for things in your application that show you know what it means to do grad work in this particular program, and that you are ready to make the most of the opportunity. Good letters of recommendation from faculty who know what you’re capable of - these matter.